Ko Ji Yong
| Ko Ji-yong | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 1, 1980 |
| Spouse(s) | Heo Yang Lim (m. 2013) |
| Children | Ko Seung-jae (b. 2014) |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | K-pop |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Years active | 1997–2000 |
| Labels | DSP Media (1997–2000) |
| Associated acts | Sechs Kies |
| Korean name | |
| Hangul | 고지용 |
|---|---|
| Hanja | |
| Revised Romanization | Go Ji-yong |
| McCune–Reischauer | Ko Chi-yong |
Ko Ji-yong (born July 1, 1980) is a member of Sechs Kies, a South Korean first generation K-pop idol dance group which disbanded in 2000 but reunited in 2016. Unlike most of the other members, Ko left the entertainment industry and started his own company. He made his first television appearance in years when he appeared at Sechs Kies' reunion special on Infinite Challenge. Due his family and work commitments he did not sign a contract with the group's new label YG Entertainment or promote with them as a performer but is considered to be part of the group. Since January 2017 he and his son have appeared on the reality show The Return of Superman.
A native of Seoul, Ko was elementary schoolmates with future Sechs Kies bandmate Kang Sung-hun and g.o.d member Son Ho-young. He lost contact with Kang after the latter went to the United States to attend high school.
Ko was recruited by Kang to join the boy band he and his high school friend Eun Ji-won were forming. The group was eventually named Sechs Kies and debuted on April 15, 1997. Ko was the second youngest member.
Until the time the group disbanded in 2000, he was greatly loved by fans for his handsome looks and singing voice. Unlike other members, he did not continue his career as a solo singer but he was cast as a host in an internet broadcast and an actor in television drama. However, Ko Ji-yong chose to leave the entertainment industry to start his own business.
In 2008, fellow SechsKies member and leader Eun Ji-won appeared in the entertainment program "Come to Play" and remarked that he had not seen Ko Ji-yong since the disbandment.
In 2016, Sechs Kies finally reunited after their disbandment in 2000 through a famous Korean variety TV show called Infinite Challenge. Ko Ji-yong, who had left the entertainment business permanently after the disbandment to pursue a new career, surprised the members of SechsKies as well as all the fans by appearing in the reunion concert. After Infinite Challenge aired, SechsKies earned many more fans; their hit songs ranked high in music charts and “Couple” was seen in 11th place in Music Bank.
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